Alon Weiner

Metal Printing

Metal printing is a specialized printing process in which aluminum or other metal substrate is customized with a graphic print through a dye sublimation printing process. The printing technique offers the consumer a precise and high-quality means to reproduce custom imagery, photos or illustrations. A thin, specialized metal piece is needed in order to be inserted into a heat press and allow the inks to transfer to the substrate.

Dye Sublimation

A dye sublimation printing technique is used in metal printing to create custom graphics on aluminum or metal substrates. “Sublimation” means that it transitions from a solid to a gas stage without passing through a liquid form . [sublimation printing] is a two-step process that begins with a digital print created on a transfer paper. The graphics are produced in a mirror or reverse fashion so when the imagery is transferred to the metal, the orientation of the artwork is correct. The printed transfer paper is then placed on top of a plain metal piece within a dye sublimation heat press. For metal printing, the heat press is a flat bed heat press , as opposed to the rotary heat presses that are typically utilized when a fabric is being printed with the dye sublimation printing process. A single press can have a compressed air pressure of 40-80psi , more or less, depending on the model and size of the heat press.

Once the top of the heat press is closed and secured, the inks are sublimated into the metal at extreme temperatures ranging from 375⁰F to 425⁰F . When the inks are transferred, the intense heat press enables the inks to not merely sit on top of the metal but rather become a part of the actual fibers of the material. Other printing techniques such as screen printing apply the inks merely on the surface, which can result in the image becoming smudged or the inks running down the substrate.

Materials Used

The dye sublimation printing system can be used on a variety of materials including ceramic tiles, glass, wood, flooring, surf and snow boards, and various kinds of thin metals. The chosen material must be thin enough in order for the inks to properly permeate the fibers of the material in the heat press stage of the printing process. Once the image is transferred onto the material, a finish can be added to the print to add another dimension to the graphics. For printing on metal, a gloss, semi-gloss, satin or matte finish is often added to the print after the printing process is complete. A heat press can be usually used for printing, as well as laminating of the chosen material.

A metal print can be attached directly to a wall by inserting tacks or hooks into the aluminum. Mounting the metal print within a frame to hang on a flat, hard surface is also another popular option and gives the consumer a breadth of finishing and customization options in the style and color of the frame.

Uses

Metal prints are used for interior decorating purposes within an office or home environment.

Metal prints are utilized in various ways, both professionally and personally. The metal printing process is used to create outdoor aluminum prints for traffic and parking signs. Metal printing is also used to create custom works of art to decorate a home or office. Custom photos are printed on the metal material for interior decorating purposes and to personalize an interior space.

Benefits

The specialized dye sublimation printing process produces a long-lasting print because the inks are infused within the metal, instead of simply being placed on top of the substrate like traditional printing methods. The inks will not run or fade over time, which results in a resilient waterproof print that is ideal to withstand outside elements when displayed on the side of a building or in an outdoor setting . The durable metal substrate also lends well to outdoor marketing campaigns for businesses and organizations. Many metal prints have a UV coating to protect the graphics against sun damaged when displayed outdoors.

The print itself is high-quality, with vivid graphics and an incandescent sheen that transforms the printed imagery into a life-like reproduction. The high definition colors and depth of detail lends well to renderings of an artist’s photographs and illustrations since no detail or rich hues are lost when the print is inserted into the heat press with the specially coated aluminum or metal sheets.

Metal prints are also easy to maintain since they can be simply cleaned with a cloth. The finish coating provides a protective layer that usually keeps the print from being scratched or damaged. The rigid nature of metal creates a stable canvas for custom graphics that will not bend, tear or wrinkle, unlike more flexible substrates like fabric or bond paper.